Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 32

Discuss the diagnostic value of CSF lactate and glutamine determinations.

Step 1 of 2

The diagnostic value of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) lactate determinations:

Presence of lactate in CSF helps to diagnose meningitis.

• Lactate levels in CSF above 35 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is found in bacterial meningitis

• In viral meningitis, lactate level in CSF remains below 25 mg/dL

• Lactate levels in CSF above 25 mg/dL occur much consistently in fungal, tubercular and bacterial meningitis

• Elevated CSF lactate is also seen in condition when oxygen flow is decreased to the tissues

• Lactate levels in CSF is helpful to monitor severe head injuries